Sebastiano Baldini (1615–1685) was a satirical Roman poet, librettist for almost every composer operating in Rome at that time,[1] and a secretary to a series of cardinals. The most important was Flavio Chigi.[2] For his literary qualities and for his good humour he was well received by the aristocracy and Roman cultural circles. Alessandro Stradella used a text by Baldini, based on a scenario by Christina, Queen of Sweden, for his 1677 cantata/serenata La forza delle stelle (also incorrectly known as Il Damone).
He was a member of various academies, including those of literary humorists in Rome and Pesaro (founded in 1645).[3] Baldini was drawn by Pier Francesco Mola.[4]